Gao San was deeply moved. She had never expected King Zhou, a man-and the supreme ruler among men, at that-to value her ambition to secure rights for women, much less specifically send a consort from the Imperial Harem to assist her.
After some thought, she said, "Your servant believes our most urgent task is to involve more women. Your Majesty is carrying out Reforms and could propose new laws to protect these poor women. Her Highness could recruit some staff and establish an office in Chaoge where women who have suffered injustice can come to air their grievances."
Zi Shou's eyes immediately brightened.
That was a good idea. A women's rights movement with only one or two people would certainly attract no support and stir up no waves. An office represented a group, making it much easier to cause trouble.
Besides, the core of the New Law was strict enforcement. Once a decree on equality between men and women was issued and the office cracked down hard, public resentment would follow.
According to Gao San, women being looked down upon and mistreated was clearly commonplace. How many people would they have to arrest?
Zi Shou said, "Minister Gao makes a sound point. Then I shall put Consort Su in charge. What do you think?"
Before Gao San could respond, Daji said, "Your Majesty, this consort understands. But if we are establishing a dedicated office, we also need dedicated officials to carry out its duties. Only then can it endure."
"If this consort personally takes charge, those beneath me will certainly not dare object. With one voice ruling everything, oversights will be difficult to spot. The law must be impartial, and this consort is not quite suited to the task. It would be better to appoint Gao San as the chief